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here to download a PDF-file Archive ChemDiv, Inc. and ProQinase GmbH to Partner in Lead Discovery and Preclinical Development in Oncology San Diego and Freiburg, November 7, 2005 ChemDiv, Inc. of San Diego, CA, and ProQinase GmbH of Freiburg, Germany, announced that they have signed an agreement to establish a partnership in the discovery and preclinical development of new kinase inhibitors. Under the agreement ChemDiv will support design and synthesis of target-focused small molecule libraries, undertake medicinal chemistry for hit to lead and lead optimization, as well as DMPK and certain in vivo experiments. ProQinase will be responsible for in vitro kinase inhibitor screening and profiling on a panel of jointly selected oncology-relevant kinase targets, cellular assays and in vivo experiments. Both parties will share development costs and revenues from the planned out-licensing of optimized leads. “Many protein kinases, when deregulated, are linked causally to the formation of human tumors. Inhibitors of protein kinases, such as Gleevec, IRESSA and Tarceva, are recently approved anti-cancer drugs. The development of protein kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer is still at its beginning stage. Due to the diversity of molecular alterations found in human cancers, the lack of efficient and safe drugs for treating different types of cancers is substantial”, states Dr. Michael Kubbutat, Head of Research & Development at ProQinase. “ProQinase has experience in the development of compounds that simultaneously block different mechanisms involved in tumor growth.” Christoph Schaechtele, CEO of ProQinase, comments: “We are very optimistic about our new project with ChemDiv and are certain that this substantial investment will pay off. The selection of the panel of kinases takes into account market trends and latest scientific findings. The combination of our iProKiTe® platform covering powerful preclinical in vitro and in vivo methods with the medicinal chemistry expertise of our partner ChemDiv, will be successful in generating new drug candidates.” Alex Kiselyov, VP of Chemistry at ChemDiv added: “ChemDiv has found a synergistic partner in the development of novel specific- and dual-kinase inhibitors. ProQinase offers state-of-the art molecular biology and screening capabilities, as well as an extensive set of in vivo models complementary to ChemDiv discovery biology platform. These are to strengthen our internal oncology programs. We are certain this collaboration will yield high quality pre-IND candidates for further development as anti-cancer therapies.” About ChemDiv: About ProQinase: For contact: |
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